Sounds about right, he started talking about different production dates in 04 into 05, related to different part #s. Since I don't really know exactly what my tranny, hubs and axles came out of this is getting a lot more difficult.

So if it turns out that it's not the axle, do I buy a factory bearing or just get an aftermarket one?

If you've got the '05 bearings, I don't think there are aftermarket ones. The '05+ hubs use a unit bearing that just bolts to the hub... no press needed, no grease needed. Just pick one up from Subaru and swap it via the 4 bolts that hold it on.

Really!? That, even I didn't know... Now that I think about it, I don't think I've done a bearing on anything newer than '04...

That was the whole point that people were going to the 5x114 hubs. Not only are the bearings way beefier, you can swap the front ones in the pits. :cool:

Thanks for the heads up, I'll have to swing by Lithia tomorrow then.

Any update?

Axle showed up yesterday, planned on giving it a try tonight. I'm doubting it will work at this point but I will give it a try. Then it's off to subaru for a bearing.

The axle did absolutely nothing on the pass. side. I don't even think it's worth the work to try it in the driver side. I guess it's on to ordering up a front wheel bearing.

Sucks. :(

Got the front wheel bearing and they gave me the one for a non-sti, the correct one is on order now and will be in next week :( At least it is the whole assy so no press needed.

Finally got the bearing assy, put it in this weekend. Problem solved :)
However, there is still a hint of the noise at freeway speed so I am guessing the left one will need done after some more hard cornering and other horrible driving habits take their toll on it.
Had to rent a slide hammer to get the old bearing out but R+R was fairly simple and could definitely be done in the pits!
Thanks for all of your input on this one!!

That's good news. :)

The bad news is... the car's been driven hard enough to kill the heavy duty '05+ STi wheel bearings. I wonder what else is going to need replacing. :(